Top 10 Direct Entry MSN Programs: Online & Campus

The purpose of direct entry MSN programs is to offer a chance for non-nursing majors to earn a graduate degree and enter the field even without being a registered nurse (RN). So, if you earned a bachelor's degree in a different subject, you can still earn an advanced nursing degree and position yourself for nursing licensure all in one program.

Below, we'll list some institutions that offer this MSN track, including colleges that allow you to take most of the coursework online.

Are There Direct-Entry MSN Programs Online?

There are direct-entry MSN programs online, but you should expect to enroll in at least some on-campus courses and clinical rotations to complete the degree requirements. Many nursing schools will permit students to finish the clinical experiences at a medical center of their choice, which is convenient for full-time workers.

Online MSN degrees also provide a stepping stone toward earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), sometimes at the same college of nursing.

How Direct Entry MSN Programs Work

A direct entry MSN program offers a pathway for non-nursing majors to become RNs (or earn other certifications) by completing advanced coursework and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) for licensing. Sometimes, these programs appear as ''accelerated MSN degrees,'' or as a Master Entry Program in Nursing (MEPN).

X Most Flexible Online MSN Programs

Here is a list of reputable institutions where you can earn a direct-entry MSN program online. These schools also grant other accredited master's degrees with reasonable tuition rates.

1. Herzing University

Herzing University has a direct-entry MSN program with 100% online delivery for didactic classes. This program also assigns nursing students to clinical rotations at medical centers in North Carolina. This degree program has five prerequisite courses for admission: statistics, anatomy and physiology I, microbiology, chemistry, and anatomy and physiology II.

• Estimated tuition cost: $630 per credit hour.
• Financial aid: The university website mentions military benefits, scholarships, grants, and other non-loan funding resources.
• Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

2. Xavier University

Xavier University offers non-nursing majors a pathway to earn an MSN and begin a professional nursing career. Its school of nursing also prepares graduates for further certification. Online coursework focuses on important subjects like advanced health assessment, evidence-based practices, pharmacology, and ethics in the nursing field.

• Estimated tuition cost: $687 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Xavier University participates in financial aid programs, such as federal loans, scholarships, grants, monthly payment plans, and student loans.
• Accreditation: CCNE

3. University of North Carolina - Greensboro

The University of North Carolina - Greensboro (UNCG) offers a pre-relicensure, entry-level MSN degree, which takes about 24 months to complete. This degree program receives recognition from U.S. News & World Report as the ''14th Best Online Master's in Nursing Program.''

Applicants must possess at least a 2.7 GPA in all previous college education, but UNCG recommends earning at least a 3.0 GPA to be competitive in admissions.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,468 per year
• Financial aid: Graduate students are eligible for scholarships through the university or sponsored by the UNCG School of Nursing.
• Accreditation: CCNE

4. University of West Florida

The University of West Florida has a CCNE-accredited direct entry program for non-nursing majors. It promises a class size of 20 students for every faculty member, with an array of courses in every important area of nursing care. This program features a hybrid of face-to-face and online coursework.

• Estimated tuition cost: $418.77 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The university's financial aid page specifies loans, grants, scholarships, and military benefits for graduate students.
• Accreditation: CCNE

5. North Park University

North Park University's direct-entry MSN program takes about 20 months to complete with 68 total credits. It features a mixture of didactic courses, 595 practicum hours, and preparation for the NCLEX-RN certification exam. Nursing students are required to take courses in topics like population health, nursing across the lifespan, and scientific inquiry.

• Estimated tuition cost: $925 per credit hour
• Financial aid: The university encourages students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to become eligible for loans, military benefits, and other funding sources.
• Accreditation: CCNE

6. Linfield University

Linfield University has an MEPN program, which takes only 15 months to complete for students with a bachelor's degree in a non-nursing area. Fall enrollment has an Aug. 1 application deadline, but students can receive program acceptance before finishing the degree program's prerequisite requirements. You can contact the Linfield College of Nursing to learn which of your previous credits transfer to cover prerequisites.

• Estimated tuition cost: $710 per credit hour.
• Financial aid: According to its website, over 90% of Linfield students receive some type of financial aid, including scholarship options.
• Accreditation: CCNE

7. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati's direct entry MSN program features training at its Level 1 Trauma Center, collaboration with other allied health science departments, and courses for preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam. Prospective students must submit official transcripts and other application materials no later than Sept. 29 for admission.

• Estimated tuition cost: $582 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Graduate students can qualify for loans, grants, scholarships, and military benefits.
• Accreditation: CCNE

8. Chamberlain University

Chamberlain University has a direct entry option for entering its MSN program with 10 clinical, non-clinical, and accelerated pathways. Its healthcare policy speciality track features hands-on coursework and training in topics like economics and healthcare policy, global health, and health equity.

• Estimated tuition cost: $555 per credit hour
• Financial aid: You can offset tuition expenses with student employment, federal/state grants, scholarships, and loans.
• Accreditation: CCNE

9. Jacksonville University

You can earn an MSN degree through direct entry at Jacksonville University within just 20 months. This gives non-nursing majors the chance to switch careers into lucrative roles, such as assistant nurse manager, charge nurse, and nursing supervisor.

• Estimated tuition cost: $650 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Jacksonville University has monthly payment plans, scholarship funding, and other financial aid resources for graduate nursing students.
• Accreditation: CCNE

10. Alliant International University

Alliant International University's direct-entry MSN program has small class sizes, with hands-on, real-world training. It takes about two years to finish the degree requirements. This graduate nursing program can prepare future professionals for roles like healthcare team leader, bedside clinician, quality improvement specialist, and patient population manager.

• Estimated tuition cost: $908 per credit hour
• Financial aid: This school participates in scholarship and grant programs after students complete the FAFSA.
• Accreditation: CCNE

How We Rank Schools

This is how we rank direct entry nursing programs. Each direct entry master's program must have accreditation, affordable tuition, and a strong reputation throughout the nursing profession.

• Accreditation: We only recommend getting your nursing education from accredited colleges.
• Affordability: This list includes programs with tuition rates less than $1,000 per credit hour.
• Program reputation: Each college of nursing has highly credentialed faculty with years of clinical experience and nursing leadership in a variety of health care systems.

Online and Hybrid vs. Campus-Based Programs

You can find a direct entry nursing program online or on campus, depending on the university. Both offer graduate-level training in patient care, pediatric care, pathophysiology, clinical health assessments, pharmacology, and other essential competencies within advanced practice nursing.

Most direct-entry MSN programs also require specific prerequisite courses for admission and several clinical hours of hands-on nursing training.

FAQs About Direct Entry MSN Programs

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) for direct entry MSN programs. These questions address how useful these degrees are and whether you can attend part-time.

Are Direct Entry MSN Programs Worth It?

Yes, these programs are well worth it for someone seeking a career change. Normally, you would need to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), but these degree programs offer a faster way to begin a nursing career.

Can I Become an NP With a Direct Entry on MSN?

Yes, you can become a nurse practitioner (NP) by completing an MSN program. Many direct-entry NP programs accept students who hold a bachelor's degree in a different subject. Always check with the specific institution to see if it permits direct entry, though.

What Jobs Can I Get After Completing an MSN Program?

Once you complete an MSN program, you should take the NCLEX-RN licensure exam and receive a nursing license in your state. After that, you can qualify for nursing roles in several rewarding healthcare settings. There are many intermediate and advanced nursing roles available as a mental health nurse, nurse practitioner, quality improvement specialist, public health advocate, clinical nurse leader, and others in clinical practice.

What Financial Aid Is Available for Direct Entry MSN Programs?

Many direct entry MSN programs for non-nursing majors offer financial aid through scholarships, loans, grants, tuition waivers, and military discounts. The best way to earn a scholarship, which doesn't require repayment, is to submit a strong GPA, high GRE scores, and impressive recommendations.

Can I Complete a Direct Entry MSN Program Part-Time?

Yes, you can complete this credential part-time at multiple schools, including the ones listed above. Just check the admission requirements for each intended program to ensure you can enroll part-time.

Discover Online Nursing Degrees

We invite you to explore everything else on Learn.org regarding online nursing education. This includes several articles related to BSN, MSN, and DNP degrees available fully online.